Ceiling Fans: Get a head start on Choosing a Ceiling Fan by Learning the Basics of Mounting!
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The first step with a new ceiling fan is mounting, which simply refers to the attachment of your ceiling fan to the surface of a ceiling. To make it easier it is a good idea to become familiar with a few terms and options when choosing the right ceiling fan for you. This will ensure that your fan will hang properly and as low as you would like it to. Mounting also effects the operation of a ceiling fan in certain ways. Certain methods of mounting allow for the fan to more closely direct air to the people in a room and some methods allow for more flexibility in movement.
1. What is a downrod?
A downrod is really a very simple piece of equipment. Made of wood, metal, or plastic, the downrod is simply a rod that hangs from the ceiling, allowing your ceiling fan to hang lower from the ceiling's surface. Some prefer this only for the look of a lower fan and some would like the breeze of the fan to be stronger, but for either reason a downrod will correctly lower your fan safely and effectively.
2. What is ball-and-socket mounting?
This is a type of mounting where a ball-shaped apparatus is attached to a downrod, with the fan body and blades hanging from the ball. This makes it possible for the fan to move easier than it would with other methods of mounting.
3. What is hugger mounting?
Hugger Mounting: Hugger model fans are simply fans mounted close to the ceiling, that will seem as though they are clinging to or "hugging" the ceiling directly. This can also be referred to as the close-to-ceiling-mount.
4. What is dual mounting?
Fans that feature dual mounting are able to be mounted close to the ceiling or from a downrod. You can decide after purchasing your fan, which is optimal if you would like to see how the fan looks on the ceiling first. Downrods are inexpensive and can easily be applied to dual mounting fans for aesthetic purposes; for cathedral ceilings, a fan lowered with a downrod can provide an appearance of grandeur and luxury. Plus a lowered fan brings the breeze of your ceiling fan closer to you, for a slightly more concentrated or stronger breeze.
5. What are blade irons and brackets used for?
Blade irons attach your ceiling fan blades to the motor, connecting the fan together after it is mounted.
6. Should I use J-hook and claw hook mounting methods?
With this type of mounting a metal hook secures to the ceiling, so that your fan will be directly attached to the material of the ceiling wall.
7. What are the benefits with a low ceiling adapter?
A low ceiling adapter is a kit which accomplishes the same thing as a downrod. Usually made of brass or another metal, a low ceiling adapter kit attaches directly from the ceiling and omits the need for lowering the fan at all as it automatically hangs a little farther down with the adapter.
8. Can I add lighting while mounting?
Once your fan is mounted you can add lights to make your ceiling fan serve more than one purpose and be an even better addition to your home. Lights can be added while mounting the fan, and there are three types of lighting methods to choose from: downlights, uplights, or one of the popular light kits. Uplights and downlights are just as they sound with uplights pointing toward the ceiling, and downlights pointing toward the center of the room. Each provides a slightly different effect. Uplights emanate an aura-like gleam to dress up a ceiling, and downlights brighten an entire room with a radiant glow. Light kits also come with many ceiling fans and can be classified as a type of downlight. The light kit replaces any central lighting that was previously hanging from the ceiling.
Make sure you decide which type of mounting and lighting you are interested in before you make your final ceiling fan purchase.
